Adjustable light-receiving window assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable light-receiving window assembly includes a window and a window covering device. The window includes a window frame and at least two light-transmittable panes mounted on the window frame to define a compartment with an opening in communication with outside. The window covering device includes a light-shielding member extending into the compartment via the opening. The window covering device further includes an operative member operable to move the light-shielding member between an extended state and a folded state for selectively blocking light transmitted through the light-transmittable panes. In another example, the operative member is replaced with a controllable motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a window assembly and, more particularly, to an adjustable light-receiving window assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

Spaces for windows are usually preserved when designing buildings. With reference to FIG. 1, a conventional light-receiving window 1 is mounted in a preserved space (not labeled) in a building and includes an outer frame 1 and two windowpanes 12, with the frames of the windowpanes 12 mounted in the outer frame 11.

A window covering device such as a blind, shade, curtain, drapery, or the like is provided to the window for keeping noise and dust outside and for blocking light. There are various types of window covering devices operated by different methods. The window covering device 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a cord 21 that can be operated to move the slats 22 toward two sides or a center of the window for providing a better view or covering the window 1. However, the slats 22 get dirty easily and, thus, require frequent cleaning. Furthermore, the cord 21 is liable to break due to deterioration or improper force application. Furthermore, the cord 21 may cause injury to children playing nearby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide an adjustable light-receiving window assembly including a window having a compartment that can be covered to control the light-receiving effect.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an adjustable light-receiving window assembly comprises a window and a window covering device. The window includes a window frame and at least two light-transmittable panes mounted on the window frame to define a compartment with an opening in communication with outside. The window covering device is mounted adjacent to the compartment and includes a light-shielding member extending into the compartment via the opening. The window covering device further includes an operative member mounted above the opening. The operative member is operable to move the light-shielding member between an extended state and a folded state for selectively blocking light transmitted through the at least two light-transmittable panes.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, an adjustable light-receiving window assembly comprises a window and a window covering device. The window includes a window frame and at least two light-transmittable panes mounted on the window frame to define a compartment with an opening in communication with outside. The window covering device is mounted adjacent to the compartment and includes a light-shielding member extending into the compartment via the opening. The window covering device further includes a controllable motor for moving the light-shielding member between an extended state and a folded state for selectively shielding light transmitted through the at least two light-transmittable panes.

Other objectives, advantages, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional light-receiving window.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a frame of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a second embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front elevation of a third embodiment of the light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, wherein the slats of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly are in a folded state.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a fourth embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, a first embodiment of an adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises a window 3 and a window covering device 4. The window 3 includes a window frame 31, a housing 32, and two light-transmittable pane 33. Each light-transmittable pane 33 is made of transparent glass material. The window frame 31 is substantially U-shaped and includes two parallel U-shaped positioning grooves 311 in an inner side thereof for respectively positioning the panes 33. The positioning grooves 311 are spaced from each other by a predetermined space. A substantially parallelepiped compartment 34 is defined by the panes 33 and the window frame 31 when the panes 33 are mounted to the positioning grooves 311. The compartment 34 has an upper opening 341 in communication with outside.

The window frame 31 is not limited to the above-mentioned integrally formed U-shaped structure. In another example shown in FIG. 3, the window frame 31 includes an elongated base 312 and two upright beams 313 respectively extending upward in parallel from two ends of the base 312. Each upright beam 313 includes two spaced, parallel positioning grooves 311. The positioning grooves 311 on one of the upright beams 313 are respectively aligned with those on the other upright beam 313. Hence, a compartment 34 with an upper opening 341 in communication with outside is defined after the panes 33 are mounted in the aligned positioning grooves 311.

The housing 32 is mounted on top of the window frame 31 and seals the opening 341. The window covering device 4 has an end fixed to the housing 32 and aligned with the opening 341. The window covering device 4 includes a light-shielding member 41 (a shade in this example), a shaft 43, and an operative member 42. With reference to FIG. 2, an upper end of the light-shielding member 41 is fixed to the shaft 43, and a lower end of the light-shielding member 41 extends into the compartment 34 via the opening 341. The shaft 43 is rotatably supported by the housing 32 and has an end extending out of the housing 32 and coupled with the operative member 42.

The operative member 42 can be operated to turn the shaft 43. In this example, the operative member 42 is a hand wheel with a spindle for driving the shaft 43 to turn. The hand wheel may withstand considerable torque. When a user turns the operative member 42, the light-shielding member 41 is movable in the compartment 34 in a vertical direction between a folded position and an extended position for winding or unwinding purposes. Hence, a light-blocking effect is provided when the light-shielding member 41 is in the fully extended state and received in the compartment 34. The user may turn the operative member 43 in a direction to drive the shaft 43 for moving the light-shielding member 41 upward and winding the light-shielding member 41 around the shaft 43. Light is not blocked by the light-shielding member 41 when the light-shielding member 41 is in its wound state.

When the light-shielding member 41 is in the folded position not shielding the window 3, the user may operate the operative member 43 in a reverse direction such that the light-shielding member 41 moves downward under gravity into the compartment 34 until the window 3 is shielded by the light-shielding member 41.

The hand wheel (i.e., the operative member 42) may withstand considerable torque. Namely, the hand wheel can be turned to any desired position and then retained in the position for retaining the light-shielding member 41, thereby controlling the light-receiving effect of the window 3. The panes 33 are not limited to glass material. Namely, the panes 33 may be made from other material such as acrylic or reinforced plastic material that allows transmission of light.

As apparent from the foregoing, the light-shielding member 41 is sealed in the compartment 34 without in contact with outside. Hence, the light-shielding member 41 is less likely to get dirty. Furthermore, no cord is required for moving the light-shielding member 41. The risks of malfunction of the shade resulting from breaking of the cord and injury to the children playing nearby are avoided.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a second embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention is mounted to a wall (not shown) of a building and includes a window 3 and a window covering device 4. To avoid redundancy, only the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is discussed. In this embodiment, the shaft 43 that moves the light-shielding member 41 is driven with electronic control.

More specifically, the window covering device 4 includes a controllable motor 44 for driving the operative member 42. The motor 44 is mounted above the opening 341 and coupled with an end of the shaft 43 for driving the shaft 43 to thereby wind or unwind the light-shielding member 41. The motor 44 is housed in the housing 32. A controller 440 is located outside the housing 32 and connected to the motor 44 via a wire (not labeled). The user may operate the controller 440 to control the rotating direction of the motor 44 for driving the shaft 43 to thereby move the light-shielding member 41 between the folded state and the extended state. It is noted that the controller 440 may be replaced with a wireless controller, which is well know in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a third embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention is mounted to a wall (not shown) of a building and includes a window 3 and a window covering device 4. The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that, in this embodiment, the window covering device 4 includes a controllable motor 44, a track 45, a plurality of slides 46 slidably mounted on the track 45, and a light-shielding member 41 (a curtain in this example) having an upper edge fixed to the slides 46.

The motor 44 includes a roller 441 mounted on and slidable along the track 45. Furthermore, the motor 44 is coupled with an outermost slide 46 adjacent to the motor 44. When the motor 44 is turned on and moves along the track 45, the outermost slide 46 is moved to slide along the track 45. Hence, the other slides 46 are moved along the track 45, moving the light-shielding member 41 to an extended state for blocking light or a collapsed state not blocking the light.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the adjustable light-receiving window assembly in accordance with the present invention, which is substantially the same as the second embodiment. More specifically, in this embodiment, a light sensor 5 is mounted on the window 3 and electrically connected to the motor 44. The light sensor 5 detects the change in the intensity of the light outside the window 3 and automatically outputs a signal regarding the intensity of the light to the motor 44 for moving the motor 44 between the extended state and the folded state. In this embodiment, the light sensor 5 is a photoresistor for detecting the change in the intensity of the light outside the window. When the light intensity exceeds a predetermined value, a signal is output to activate the motor 44 for moving the light-shielding member 41 downward for shielding the window 3. On the other hand, when the light source no longer exists or the light is faint, the light-shielding member 41 is moved upward under automatic control through the motor 44. Of course, the light-shielding member 41 may rest at a desired level in response to various light intensities.

In conclusion, the window assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a window 3 with a compartment 34 defined by a window frame 31 and a plurality of light-transmittable panes 33 as well as a light-shielding member 41 sealed in the compartment 34. The light-shielding member 41 is protected and, thus, less likely to get dirty while allowing adjustment in the light receiving effect. The problems resulting from the use of a cord in the conventional designs are avoided.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications and variations are still possible. The scope of the invention is limited by the accompanying claims. 

1. An adjustable light-receiving window assembly comprising: a window including a window frame and at least two light-transmittable panes mounted on the window frame to define a compartment with an opening in communication with outside; and a window covering device mounted adjacent to the compartment and including a light-shielding member extending into the compartment via the opening, the window covering device further including an operative member mounted above the opening, the operative member being operable to move the light-shielding member between an extended state and a folded state for selectively blocking light transmitted through said at least two light-transmittable panes.
 2. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the window covering device further includes a shaft to which an end of the light-shielding member is fixed, the shaft being mounted above the opening of the window and drivable by the operative member to move the light-shielding member between the extended state and the folded state.
 3. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the window frame is substantially U-shaped and includes at least two parallel U-shaped positioning grooves in an inner side thereof, said at least two light-transmittable panes being respectively fixed in said at least two positioning grooves to define said compartment.
 4. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the window frame includes an elongated base and two upright beams respectively extending upward in parallel from two ends of the elongated base, each said upright beam including at least two spaced, parallel positioning grooves, said at least two positioning grooves on one of the upright beams being aligned with said at least two positioning grooves on the other upright beam, said at least two light-transmittable panes being respectively fixed in said at least two positioning grooves of the upright beams to define said compartment.
 5. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the window covering device further includes a housing mounted above the opening, the shaft being mounted in the housing and having an end outside the housing and coupled with the operative member.
 6. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least two light-transmittable panes are made of light-transmittable glass material.
 7. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least two light-transmittable panes are made of light-transmittable plastic material.
 8. An adjustable light-receiving window assembly comprising: a window including a window frame and at least two light-transmittable panes mounted on the window frame to define a compartment with an opening in communication with outside; and a window covering device mounted adjacent to the compartment and including a light-shielding member extending into the compartment via the opening, the window covering device further including a controllable motor for moving the light-shielding member between an extended state and a folded state for selectively shielding light transmitted through said at least two light-transmittable panes.
 9. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the window covering device further includes a shaft to which an end of the light-shielding member is fixed, the shaft being mounted above the opening of the window and drivable by the motor to move the light-shielding member between the extended state and the folded state.
 10. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the window covering device further includes a housing mounted above the opening, the motor and the shaft being mounted in the housing.
 11. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the window covering device further includes a track aligned with the opening, a plurality of slides being slidably mounted on the track, at least one of the slides being drivable by the motor to slide along the track for selectively moving the light-shielding member between the extended state and the folded state.
 12. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the window covering device further includes a housing mounted above the opening, the motor and the track being mounted in the housing.
 13. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the window frame is substantially U-shaped and includes at least two parallel U-shaped positioning grooves in an inner side thereof, said at least two light-transmittable panes being respectively fixed in said at least two positioning grooves to define said compartment.
 14. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the window frame includes an elongated base and two upright beams respectively extending upward in parallel from two ends of the elongated base, each said upright beam including at least two spaced, parallel positioning grooves, said at least two positioning grooves on one of the upright beams being aligned with said at least two positioning grooves on the other upright beam, said at least two light-transmittable panes being respectively fixed in said at least two positioning grooves of the upright beams to define said compartment.
 15. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said at least two light-transmittable panes are made of light-transmittable glass material.
 16. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said at least two light-transmittable panes are made of light-transmittable plastic material.
 17. The adjustable light-receiving window assembly as claimed in claim 8 further including a light sensor for detecting intensity of light outside the window and for outputting a signal regarding the intensity to the motor, thereby controlling the motor to move the light-shielding member between the extended state and the folded state. 